Entomology News 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University entomologist Tom Turpin is the 2007 recipient of the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana. [More...]

Entomology Reindeer Run Fast and Furious

On Saturday, December 1st 2007, the Lafayette Family YMCA held the 25th Annual Sleigh Bell 5K Run/Walk. Over 250 people participated in this race. Despite the 25 degree chill in the air and early morning start, Santa and her Reindeer showed up with bells on, ready to RUN. This festive group was made [More...]

Super Saturday is a popular enrichment program designed to meet the needs of academically, creatively, and artistically gifted students from age four (pre-kindergarten) through eighth grade. [More...]

Congratulations to 2007 OVEA winners

A team of 9 students and 1 faculty member from the Department of Entomology traveled to Columbus, Ohio on November 15th to compete in the Ohio Valley Entomological Association (OVEA) 2007 Twentieth Annual Forum the next day. Thirty-eight students from [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After almost three decades of shielding soybean plants from a deadly natural foe, the leading source of resistance against soybean cyst nematode is showing chinks in its armor, said a Purdue University nematologist. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue senior Shauna Stapleton was named Tuesday to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Women's Soccer first team. A native of Springfield, Ohio, Stapleton is the first Boilermaker to receive Academic All-America recognition in the program's 10-year history. [More...]

The Purdue Boilermakers steamrolled their way to the Big Ten women's soccer tournament championship this weekend when they defeated Ohio State 3-1 behind the play of their senior class and an emerging star sophomore. [More...]

Dr. Thomas J. Henry, a world-renowned expert on Heteroptera, is the 2007 recipient of the Department of Entomology J. V. Osmun alumni award. Dr. Henry is the 17th recipient of the award that was established to honor longtime Entomology Department Head John Osmun. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Purdue University broke ground on the new Wayne T. and Mary T. Hockmeyer Hall on Friday (Oct. 19).

"Just as astronomers look out into the vast expanse of space to discover characteristics of stars and planets, structural biologists look inside living organisms to determine characteristics of viruses, proteins and the tiny elements of life," said Purdue President France A. Córdova. [More...]

Oriental beetle finds new home in northwest IndianaAg Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
October 16, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Indiana could be under attack by another invasive species very soon, said a Purdue University expert.

Entomologist Doug Richmond said the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed an oriental beetle found in Tippecanoe County is the first in the state. [More...]

Insectaganza 2007
By Steve Yaninek
October 15, 2007

The Department of Entomology held their annual Science on Six Legs: An Insectaganza of Education event on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. Joined by 40 teachers and approximately 85 other chaperones and adults, the event was attended by 956 fifth graders from 15 schools in the Greater Lafayette area. [More...]

Indiana has a new nuisance called the 'oak leaf gall mite'
Ag Communications
By Julie Douglas
October 4, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Indiana trees are now suspected to be home to the oak gall mite, a parasite on a parasite.

The oak gall mite, formally known as Pyemotes herfsi, is a nuisance in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado and has recently been found in trees around Chicago, said a Purdue University expert. [More...]

Larry Murdock and Barry Pittendrigh were recognized at the 2nd Annual Millionaire’s Club Award ceremony on September 28, 2007 for their work in bringing home one of the biggest single grant in the College of Agriculture and the biggest ever in the Department of Entomology. Murdock and Pittendrigh, along with their colleagues, [More...]

Mueller Brothers Receive UNEP and EPA AwardsSeptember 28, 2007

David Mueller, BS '75, and his brother John Mueller were recently awarded the ‘Best-of-the-Best Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for Leadership’ and the United Nations Environmental Programme Innovator Award for ‘Innovation in Methyl Bromide Alternatives’ at the 20th Montreal Protocol Awards ceremonies. [More...]

Mueller Brothers Receive EPA Award
PCT Online
September 20, 2007

MONTREAL - John and David Mueller, Entomology alum BS '75, were awarded the Innovator Award by the EPA in Montreal, Canada.

The Purdue women's soccer team proved it won't back down from anyone, even the No. 1 team in the country. The Boilers defeated the Portland Pilots Sunday, capturing the Nike/Husky Invitational title. Senior midfielder Shauna Stapleton hit the game-winning goal in the 58th minute. [More...]

One Entomology Student and Two Alumni receive national awards
September 10, 2007

It is my pleasure to inform you that one of our graduate students and two of our alumni have been selected to receive national awards this year. Please join me in congratulating Philip Morton, Mike Kanost, and Joao Pedra for their outstanding achievements and their well deserved recognition [More...]

West Nile virus season can take a bite out of the funAg Communication
By Susan A. Steeves
August 29, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Although many people think of mosquitoes as being the villain of summertime, the type of mosquito that spreads the potentially fatal West Nile virus is usually most active in Indiana from mid-August through October. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As part of the continuing efforts to detect and slow the spread of emerald ash borer in Indiana and surrounding states, officials are now surveying ash trees throughout the state to locate infestations. [More...]

Public holds power to identify, slow invasive species
Ag Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
July 23, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Whether plants, insects or pathogens, invasive pests of plants can be devastating, but thanks to a new Purdue University Web site, people will now be able to help identify and report these menaces. [More...]

The annual Tippecanoe County butterfly count will take place Saturday at the Lilly Tippecanoe Laboratories' Wildlife Habitat and is open to any community member interested in learning about local butterflies and their habitats. [More...]

Voyageur canoes have been common sites at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon but not at the Wabash Riverfest until now.

Saturday was the first time the canoes were used at the annual event, in which teams race along a 300-yard stretch of the Wabash River. Gene Hatke, chairman of Riverfest, said he and other organizers decided to use the canoes this year because it only requires nine paddlers to fill them. [More...]

Second largest city becomes latest victim of devastating menace
Ag Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
June 28, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana's second largest city is the newest place where emerald ash borer can be found attacking the urban forest. [More...]

Emerald ash borer now a problem in two more counties
Ag Communications
By Beth Forbes
June 28, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - With confirmation Wednesday (June 27) that Wells and Whitley counties are now home to emerald ash borer, it becomes even more important that people in those areas take precautions when transporting wood. [More...]

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a bar fly as “one who frequents drinking establishments.” Maybe our most famous bar flies are Cliff Clavin and Norm Peterson of the popular sitcom “Cheers,” the bar where everybody knows your name. When it comes to fruit flies, which are common in bars, however, the names they are called are not their proper name, at least not by patrons of a bar. “Gnats” and “flies” might be common terms used for small flies, but likely after a period of bothersome activity, small flies take on more profane personifications.
[More...]

Moving firewood is more dangerous than ever during holiday
Ag Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
June 25, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Moving firewood has become more dangerous than ever this Fourth of July holiday season. Aside from the normal risks posed by campfires, campers who move firewood have the potential to spread emerald ash borer to new locations - which could potentially lead to the deaths of ash trees. [More...]

During the last 20-some years I have traveled into the back country of Africa at least 40 times, gotten sick more times than I like to count and invariably returned home exhausted and half in a state of shock.

Every time I arrived back I pinched myself and asked, "Was that real what I saw, or just a bad dream?"
[More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - An informational Web site on the emerald ash borer has been translated into Spanish.

"Invasive species know no cultural boundaries, and they have no language preference," said Jodie Ellis, a Purdue University entomologist who worked with fellow entomologist Cliff Sadof to make Purdue's entire emerald ash borer (EAB) Web site available in Spanish. [More...]

Biochemistry: What makes a queen?Nature.com
June 14, 2007

What makes a queen a queen, and a worker a worker? For honey bees (Apis mellifera) the answer is now clear: an enzyme called target of rapamycin (TOR) helps to create the sharp division between castes. TOR is involved in nutrient-sensing and growth control. [More...]

Indiana crop growers have one more spring insect to look forAg Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
June 13, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana has become home to a new invasive insect, the Asiatic garden beetle, and it was recently found for the first time feeding on field crops. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -
Some of the world's poorest people could increase their supply of a food staple and improve their region's economic standing thanks to a Purdue University research and extension education effort funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
[More...]

Indiana and the Great Lakes states are being bugged againAg Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
June 4, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Asiatic garden beetle and European chafer are the newest invasive insects making their mark on Indiana's landscape.

Both insects were introduced into the eastern United States in the early 20th century and since that time have traveled westward along the Great Lakes corridor and into northern Indiana. [More...]

The winner of the J.I. Hambleton 2007 Award is Greg Hunt. Greg received a B.S. in biology from John Carroll University in 1979 and an M.S. in Plant Pathology in 1984. While working in a research position at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he began keeping bees and became interested in studying their behavior and particularly their genetics. [More...]

Mosquito Season Could Bring West Nile Virus
Journal & Courier
May 29, 2007

Get that bug spray ready; along with the warmer weather, mosquitos are in the air. It is important to remember some mosquitos can give you more than just an annoying bite. According to the Indiana Center for Disease Control, 78 people contracted the West Nile virus last year. Five of those died from the illness. Although it is difficult to predict how bad the mosquito season will be this year, researchers say it is important to take precautions. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - After more than three years of fund raising and countless meetings, Purdue University has honored Dr. John Osmun, an iconic figure in the pest management industry, with an Endowed Professorship in Entomology. At a reception held at President Martin Jischke’s home on May 14th, more than 100 [More...]

Catherine Hill and lab members author paper, "Genome Sequence of Aedes aegypti, a Major Arbovirus Vector"Science Express
May 23, 2007

We present a draft sequence of the genome of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for yellow fever and dengue fever, which at ~1.38 Gbp is ~5-fold larger in size than the genome of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. Nearly 50% of the Aedes aegypti [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As the soil temperature warms, a new love song will fill the air in northwestern Indiana. After spending the last 17 years underground feeding on tree roots, millions of periodical cicadas - up to 1.5 million per acre - will resurface in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties to mature, attract mates and lay their eggs. [More...]

Menace on the loose: Emerald ash borer flies again in MidwestAg Communications
By Jennifer Stewart
April 25, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Millions of ash trees are dead and, after a six-month hiatus, the perpetrator is about to be back on the loose. Each May the bright metallic green adult emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that originated in Asia, begins flying again, thus increasing the likelihood of finding new infestations. [More...]

LA PORTE - Four years after being diagnosed with cancer, Bruce Cummings shows no signs of the disease that nearly took his life.

Swaying slowly back and forth in a rocking chair on his porch on a recent afternoon, the 72-year-old nonchalantly reflected on the transplant that saved his life. [More...]

We don’t want to hear you say “There’s nothing to do” ever again. Well, at least not this weekend.Journal & Courier
April 13, 2007

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Whether the clouds and cool temperatures like it or not, spring is here in full force — at least at Purdue University. Purdue’s annual Spring Fest is a free festival that showcases many of Purdue’s departments, drawing thousands of people to check out the creepy, the crawly and the just plain [More...]

Congratulations to John Shukle (and his advisor Jeff Holland) who won 2nd place in the Life Sciences for his poster “mtDNA Barcoding for Taxonomic Identification Within the Genus Agrilus” at the recently completed 2007 Purdue Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium. John also won the Dean’s Choice Award for the top poster in Agriculture.
[Download Poster]
[More...]

NEW YORK -- "This is a New York City rat," Robert Corrigan says, reaching into his bag and pulling out a nine-inch rodent. It's light brown and -- you are relieved to realize -- dead and stuffed. He drops the critter in the lobby of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Tribeca, where it sits, paws splayed on the floor, ready to scare the tar out of a German tourist.
[More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Spring is in the air and soon the destructive emerald ash borer will be, too.

As the time approaches when adults of this invasive beetle begin flying again, Purdue University, in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, will sponsor a series of public information meetings in northern Indiana on March 22 and 27 via IP video. [More...]

Article by Greg Hunt featured in Nature’s Top TenNature.com
March 12, 2007

‘Insights into social insects from the genome of the honeybee Apis mellifera’ was featured in Nature’s list of ten articles most frequently downloaded from the Nature website in the month of January, 2007. Christine Emore, a current PhD student, and David Schilpalius, a former postdoc, are part of the consortium credited for this effort. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Wheat has ways to battle the tiny, red wormlike insects that nibble on the plant's leaves and can destroy crops worldwide, but the Hessian fly larvae that survive eventually evolve methods to overcome plant defenses. [More...]

Larry Murdock, Entomology professor, is Livin' the Dream

Real history barges into prof's life
By LARRY MURDOCK

I'm going to build a flatboat. A big, old-style, clumsy river flatboat like Midwestern farmers built five generations ago.

She'll be 12 feet wide and 20 feet long. I'll make her out of poplar or oak planks and peg her together like they did back then.
[More...]

Most people go to Africa to see big game like elephants, Cape buffalo, lions, and rhinos, but my son Pete and I visited this great country in search of “small game” like rhinoceros beetles, scorpions, spiders, and large nocturnal moths in South Africa’s Zululand. [More...]

Despite my rather tomboyish attitude and character, there are some things about me that I would say are quite girly. I prefer skirts to jeans, I don't particularly like to sweat, and I loathe, I mean, despise, bugs. [More...]

John V. Osmun Endowed Professorship to be Established at Purdue
By Brad Harbison
PCT Online
February 2, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In a career that spanned 60-plus years, Dr. John Osmun raised the industry’s level of professionalism as a pioneering advocate of education/training. Now, the former Purdue entomology professor’s legacy has been further cemented with the establishment of the John V. Osmun Endowed Professorship. [More...]

To Mexico they can goBy DAN SHAW
Journal & Courier
February 4, 2007

Every winter, millions of monarch butterflies find a retreat high in the mountains in the Mexican state of Michoacan.

Now Purdue University is offering students a chance to follow them. Steve Yaninek, head of the Purdue University Department of Entomology, says they will arrange to take graduates and undergraduates to Mexico for 10 days after Christmas. [More...]

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A quick look at topics for this year’s Purdue Pest Management Conference demonstrates how pest control has evolved into a technically involved profession requiring continuing training. [More...]

The Bayer CropScience family is mourning the loss of long-time co-worker and good friend Vince Parman. Vince passed away unexpectedly yesterday. Vince joined Union Carbide in April 1981 as a research biologist. [More...]

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